GVU Foundation names new chairs

New leadership marks a transition period for the Grand Valley University Foundation as Richard M. DeVos was named Chairman Emeritus after serving nearly 25 years as the foundation's General Chairman.

During the foundation's annual meeting September 30, Jim and Donna Brooks (past vice chairs) were named general chairs, and Dan and Pamella DeVos were named vice chairs, continuing their service to the foundation’s executive committee. 

President Thomas J. Haas celebrated DeVos' two decades of leadership, citing DeVos' vision and planning that led to the establishment of a downtown Grand Rapids campus. DeVos was named GVU Foundation Chairman in 1991.

Five new directors were named (bios below) and Gary VerPlank was named a member of the foundation's advisory cabinet.

• Jim and Donna Brooks are longtime supporters of Grand Valley. Donna served as a member of the university's board of trustees from 1993-2009 and is an honorary life member of the board. They co-chaired the university's first comprehensive campaign. The College of Interdisciplinary Studies is named in honor of Jim and Donna and their family.

• Dan and Pamella DeVos also co-chaired Grand Valley's comprehensive campaign. Through their foundation, the DeVoses work with many West Michigan and national organizations; they have supported Grand Valley and served on the GVU Foundation for many years.

Information about the new directors is below.

• Charles “Trip” Johnson III is president of G&L Chili Dogs, quick-serve restaurants, and PBJ Realty LLC. Johnson serves on the board of directors for the Community Foundation of Muskegon County and Muskegon Museum of Art. He is a member of MCC Partners and the Muskegon Angels, a local investment group that funds startups.

• Holly Johnson is president of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. She had served as the foundation's vice president of development. Johnson serves on the Lake Michigan Estate Planners Council executive committee, and is the membership chair for Western Michigan Planned Giving Group. She earned a master's of public administration degree from Grand Valley.

• Greg Kaufman is president and CEO of Amstore Corp, a supplier of store fixtures and store interiors to national retailers. Kaufman had worked as vice president for business development for New Line Cinema, and as a management consultant for Booz & Co. He is active in the Young Presidents Organization, Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids, and the Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley.

• Randy Price is owner-operator of 19 McDonald's restaurants in West Michigan. He also owns Lakeshore Staffing, serves as developer/owner for Mandolin Bay Villas in Florida, and is the founder/managing member of Quick Serve Mechanical. Price is a reserve deputy for the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department, and is a board member for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

• Dr. Larry Robson was a vascular and transplant surgeon in Grand Rapids for more than 32 years. He serves on the admissions committee for the University of Michigan Medical School as well as the advisory board for its cardiovascular center. Robson serves on the boards of the Grand Rapids Symphony and the Salvation Army.